Chapter 13 Assisting with Mobility 381 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Ambulating with Assistive Devices Some people require assistive devices to ambulate. These usually include canes, crutches, and walkers. The decision as to which device is used typically depends on how much support is needed. Canes are particularly useful for those people who may have had surgery and are not yet able to maintain balance or need extra stability. The elderly may use a cane if they have recovered from a stroke and are not yet able to fully ambulate, or if they have arthritis that has resulted in restricted movement. Crutches are often used for short-term conditions such as a sprained ankle or broken leg. Though in some cases, when a patient has had an amputation or a disability, crutches may be the assistive device of choice because they provide better support over time. Canes and crutches do require upper body strength. Walkers are helpful for people who may have had surgery on their lower limbs, such as a hip or knee replacement. The walker is used during rehabilita- tion with the goal of reaching full ambulation. Walkers are also used by the elderly when they begin to lose their balance and stability and need extra assis- tance. Walkers are often selected over canes or crutches because walkers allow the patient’s weight to be more evenly distributed, and upper body strength is not as critical (although the patient using a walker must be able to pick it up). Ambulating with a Cane There are several different types of canes that can be used (Figure 13.11). The type of cane a patient chooses often depends on their preferred grip, balancing ability, and need. Julian Rovagnati/Shutterstock.com Figure 13.11 A cane is chosen based on the patient’s ability to balance, preferred grip, and personal need. Three types of canes are shown here—a C cane (A), a functional grip cane (B), and a quad cane (C). ajt/Shutterstock.com Julian Rovagnati/Shutterstock.com A B C